HOUSTON _ Two Warriors were named All-Star starters. Neither was Zaza Pachulia.
On Thursday afternoon, the NBA announced its 10 starters for the annual showcase exhibition game in New Orleans next month. Steph Curry is part of the West's backcourt. Kevin Durant is part of its frontcourt. Pachulia, despite a strong bump from fans, didn't make it because of the new voting system, which includes players and media, where he didn't poll well.
Curry was the most surprising of the two Warriors who made it. He was in a competitive three-way battle for two spots. Curry got one, and the Rockets' James Harden got the other. Russell Westbrook, despite averaging a triple-double, was left off. He'll assuredly be a reserve in the game.
"How is Russell Westbrook not an All-Star starter!?" Raiders quarterback Derek Carr tweeted. "He is playing out of his mind."
Durant's start was never in doubt. He was the leading vote-getter in the West frontcourt that will include Kawhi Leonard and Anthony Davis.
The East starters: The Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving and LeBron James, the Raptors' DeMar DeRozan, the Bulls' Jimmy Butler and the Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Warriors' Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are hopeful to be named reserves, who will be announced next week.
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